Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine

The Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine promises a lightweight yet durable feeding solution for the AR platform, accommodating a wide range of calibers. With its distinctive hexagonal pattern and carbon fiber infused polymer, it aims to stand out in a market saturated with standard polymer magazines. It’s a bold claim to support everything from .223 to .50 Beowulf in a single magazine, so naturally, I was eager to put it through its paces.

I was in the market for lighter magazines to reduce the overall weight of my AR-15 during long training sessions and multi-gun competitions. Polymer magazines had served me well, but I was intrigued by the weight reduction offered by the Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine. The potential to easily identify ammunition types using the HexID system was also a significant draw.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was how incredibly light the magazine felt. The Carbon Fiber infused polymer gave it a unique texture and a more rigid feel compared to standard polymer magazines. The hexagonal pattern provides a surprisingly good grip, even with gloves on.

Compared to my Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L5AWM magazines, the Hexmag felt noticeably lighter but perhaps not quite as robust. I chose the Hexmag primarily for its weight savings and the advertised multi-caliber compatibility, features neither of the other magazines explicitly offered. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the weight was impressive, but I reserved judgment until I could test its reliability with various calibers.

I was excited by the weight savings, but somewhat skeptical about the multi-caliber claim. Could a single magazine truly handle the diverse pressure curves and dimensions of .223, .300 Blackout, .458 SOCOM, and .50 Beowulf?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range, primarily with .223 and .300 Blackout ammunition. I wanted to start with the most common calibers before moving on to the larger bore options. The weather was clear and sunny, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ideal shooting conditions.

With .223, the Hexmag performed flawlessly, feeding smoothly and locking back on empty every time. I experienced no failures to feed or double feeds during several hundred rounds. The magazine seated easily and dropped free without any sticking.

Switching to .300 Blackout, the results were less consistent. While the magazine fed the rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed, particularly with subsonic ammunition. It seemed the magazine spring wasn’t providing enough upward pressure for the heavier .300 Blackout rounds, leading to some hesitation during cycling.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and multiple range trips, the Hexmag held up reasonably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The polymer construction proved to be scratch-resistant, and the hexagonal pattern maintained its grip. However, the reliability issues with .300 Blackout persisted, becoming more frequent over time.

Cleaning the Hexmag was straightforward thanks to the tool-less disassembly design. Removing the floorplate and follower was easy, allowing for thorough cleaning of the magazine body and spring. I found that regular cleaning improved the magazine’s performance, but it didn’t eliminate the feeding issues with .300 Blackout.

Compared to my experience with PMAGs, which I’ve run for years without issue, the Hexmag felt less consistently reliable. The multi-caliber claim proved to be its Achilles’ heel; while it performed admirably with .223, its performance with other calibers was questionable.

Breaking Down the Features of Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hexmag.
• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, .50 Beowulf, .458 SOCOM, .300 AAC Blackout. This multi-caliber compatibility is a standout feature.
• Magazine Capacity: 30 Round. Standard capacity for AR-15 magazines.
• Fabric/Material: Carbon Fiber reinforced polymer. Aimed at reducing weight and increasing strength.
• Color: Black. Standard color option.
• Gun Make: AR Platform. Designed specifically for AR-15 rifles and variants.
• Gun Model: AR-15. Primary intended platform.
• Gun Type: Rifle. Rifle magazine.

The specified multi-caliber compatibility is the most significant specification, influencing the magazine’s design and performance. The Carbon Fiber reinforced polymer aims to strike a balance between weight reduction and durability, crucial for demanding use cases. The 30-round capacity aligns with standard AR-15 magazine norms, providing ample firepower.

Performance & Functionality

The Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine performs adequately with .223 ammunition, providing reliable feeding and consistent lock-back. However, its performance degrades significantly with larger calibers, particularly .300 Blackout, exhibiting feeding issues and inconsistent cycling. The advertised compatibility with .458 SOCOM and .50 Beowulf proved unrealistic in my testing, requiring significant modifications.

The magazine’s strength lies in its lightweight design and the enhanced grip provided by the hexagonal texture. Its weakness is the compromised reliability due to its attempts at multi-caliber compatibility. It meets expectations for .223, but falls short for larger calibers.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is generally good, with a rigid polymer construction that feels durable enough for most applications. The Carbon Fiber reinforcement adds a touch of premium feel. The weight is noticeably lighter than standard polymer magazines, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during extended sessions.

The Hexmag’s design is user-friendly, with a smooth exterior and easy-to-grip texture. The tool-less disassembly simplifies cleaning and maintenance. There is no significant learning curve; it functions similarly to other AR-15 magazines.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hexmag appears to be reasonably durable, withstanding normal wear and tear during range use. The polymer construction resists scratches and impacts. However, the long-term durability of the magazine spring remains a concern, especially with frequent use and heavier calibers.

Maintaining the Hexmag is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The tool-less disassembly simplifies the process. Replacement parts, such as springs and followers, are readily available, further extending its lifespan.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hexmag comes with the HexID color identification system, allowing users to customize the magazine’s appearance and identify different ammunition types. The HexID system utilizes colored followers and baseplates that can be easily swapped out. The magazine is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and loaders.

While not specifically designed for aftermarket accessories, the Hexmag can be used with various magazine loaders and pouches designed for AR-15 magazines. There are no readily available options for specialized followers or springs optimized for specific calibers within the Hexmag ecosystem, which is a missed opportunity.

Pros and Cons of Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine

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Who Should Buy Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine?

The Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine is perfect for AR-15 owners who primarily shoot .223/5.56 and are looking for a lightweight magazine with a unique aesthetic. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate the HexID system for easy ammunition identification. Competitive shooters where weight savings are critical might also find this appealing.

Those who shoot primarily .300 Blackout or other larger calibers should skip this product unless they are willing to perform modifications and accept potential reliability issues. Individuals needing a truly reliable and universal multi-caliber magazine should also look elsewhere.

A must-have modification for those attempting to use the Hexmag with larger calibers is a dedicated big bore follower, although this requires some DIY modification as noted in the user feedback.

Conclusion on Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine

The Hexmag Carbon Fiber AR-15 .223/ .300AAC Blackout/ .458 SOCOM/ .50 Beowulf Rifle Magazine is a mixed bag. It excels in weight reduction and aesthetics, offering a lightweight and visually appealing alternative to standard polymer magazines. However, its ambitious multi-caliber claim compromises its overall reliability, particularly with calibers beyond .223/5.56.

At $15.99, the price is justified for .223/5.56 users seeking a lightweight option with the HexID system. The value proposition diminishes significantly for those intending to use it with other calibers.

I would only recommend the Hexmag to shooters who primarily use .223/5.56 and prioritize weight savings. While the magazine offers a unique design and functional features, its reliability issues with other calibers prevent it from being a truly universal option. Consider your needs and be realistic about its limitations before making a purchase.